|  | Conditions Treatments | Pain Management

New Treatment to Replace Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee pain is an all too common health problem. Zimmer, a company that manufacturers a new device that provides an alternative to total knee replacement surgery, reports that more than 6 million people see an orthopedic surgeon each year seeking relief for injuries, arthritis and other damage to the knee. Though total knee replacement surgery is unavoidable for some, those with knee pain should investigate alternative treatment methods before going under the knife because knee replacement surgery is irreversible.

  1. Prolotherapy

    • Prolotherapy is not only an alternative to knee replacement surgery, but also to joint-replacement surgery; potentially addictive, narcotic pain medication; and cortisone shots. The goal of prolotherapy is to stimulate the body's healing response to inflammation. A solution is injected into the affected ligament, tendon or joint and causes inflammation. The response from your body is to produce new collagen---the tissue that makes up the joints. As your body adjusts to the healthy collagen, the affected area heals and becomes stronger. According to Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Chicago, this treatment has the potential to completely eliminate knee pain and injuries.

    UniSpacer Knee System

    • The UniSpacer Knee System is a small, lightweight, metal disk that is inserted into your knee joint. There is no knee replacement, and no need to cut bone. This implant is designed to relieve pain associated with arthritis, injuries, normal wear and tear, or damage done by excess body weight. It can improve the stability of your knee joint and preserve your existing bone. The UniSpacer moves with the knee and will adapt to your natural motion.

    Viscosupplementation

    • The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that the main treatment goal for osteoarthritis of the knee is pain relief. The first line of defense for treating knee pain is pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications such as Tylenol. Physical therapy also helps by strengthening the muscles surrounding the painful joints and ligaments. If these treatments are not successful, a new procedure, called viscosupplementation, is available. Your doctor will inject a hyaluronic acid solution into the knee joint. Acting as a lubricant, the acid allows the bones to flex and move without friction. One treatment can last several months.

Pain Management - Related Articles